ABOUT
VALKO
Valko Game Studios is an independent game developer based in the UK. We craft original games across a range of genres, with immersive worlds, engaging gameplay and stories that stay with you.
Ghost Hunt, circa 2018
Our Story
FROM HOBBY PROJECT TO INDEPENDENT STUDIO
Valko Game Studios was originally founded by Zach Dankowycz after stepping away from a larger project to pursue an original horror game independently. The studio’s name has its roots in an old MMO guild and evolved over time into Valko; a name that became more personal and closely tied to the studio’s identity.
In its earliest form, the studio consisted of Zach and a hobbyist collaborator working on a ghost-hunting game. Although that original concept was eventually shelved, it laid the foundation for what would come next. In 2019, development began on a new idea: a horror maze game that would later become Labyrinthine. By the end of that year, a small team of hobbyist developers had come together to help bring the project to life.
Our Journey
OUR PHILOSOPHY
WHAT DRIVES US
As an independent studio, Valko values the freedom to take creative risks, explore unusual ideas, and build games with distinctive identities. Rather than following trends, the team aims to create experiences that feel memorable, immersive, and meaningful to players.
Our goal is simple: to create exceptional games that leave a lasting impression and deliver experiences players will remember for years to come.
LOOKING TO THE FUTURE
ALWAYS BUILDING
Beyond its announced titles, Valko Game Studios also has several additional projects in development behind the scenes, with many currently at the prototype stage. As the studio continues to grow, its focus remains the same: to create original, memorable games shaped by strong ideas, creative freedom, and a commitment to quality.
Alongside the projects currently in development, Valko has design documents and concepts prepared for many more titles in the future. As the studio grows, we aim to continue creating and releasing new games that push our ideas and creativity further.
MEET THE TEAM
THE PEOPLE BEHIND VALKO
ZACHARY DANKOWYCZ
FOUNDER / DIRECTOR
- UNITED KINGDOM
Founder of Valko and the driving force behind our vision. Oversees creative direction and ensures everything stays true to our goals. Also a jack of all trades who can work on any part of the game.
FUN FACTS
- Huge gamer, plays nearly every genre. Big fan of Souls-likes and MMOs like Ultima Online
- Rides motorcycles, currently riding a yamaha bolt
- The flashlight click in Labyrinthine was made by him clicking his tongue
Michał Czemierowski
LEAD PROGRAMMER
- POLAND
Lead programmer for all of Valko’s games. Joined early on in Labyrinthine’s development and quickly became one of the driving forces behind much of the game’s decisions.
FUN FACTS
- First thing implemented was the crouching mechanic in labyrinthine
- Rides motorcycles, currently riding a Yamaha MT03
- He will find a way to rick roll you.
Ozan Koç
LEAD ARTIST
- TURKEY
Originally an artist, Ozan was chosen by the rest of the art team as their lead. His temperament, skill and attention to detail has been the driving force behind the case files and CRYO’s art direction.
FUN FACTS
- Cares for local cats in his town
- Huge Age of Empires II (and strategy in general!) player
- Loves snails and blue speakers equally
FABIO MODICA
SOUND ENGINEER
- ITALY
Created almost all of the sound effects and music heard in our games. Fabio is skilled in audio engineering and has an ear for sound design. He loves feedback so feel free to send him some!
FUN FACTS
- Colour blind which leads to funny moments where he says "the green one" and it's actually another colour
- Loves Chicken Alfredo Pasta
- Holds the most certifications and qualifications on the team
Cindy Tanguay
3D ARTIST
- CANADA
The second oldest member of Valko by technicality. Cindy joined in 2019, left to work on Baldurs Gate III before returning again in 2024. Cindy brings a lot of finer details and creative flow to the environments.
FUN FACTS
- Crazy Cat Lady
- French Canadian and wasn't fluent in English when she joined Valkoo
- She drew the secret cat picture in Chapter 1 of Labyrinthine
Muhammad Abduhalilov
3D ARTIST
- UZBEKISTAN
Has a thirst for expanding his knowledge in 3D. He is constantly looking for new processes and loves a challenge. He enjoys doing intricate and detailed 3D work.
FUN FACTS
- His first time out of the country was on the Valko team meetup in Thailand
- Has been featured by 80Lvl for his 3D Art
- Big CS:GO player and a Simple Man
Karimjon Komilovich
3D ARTIST
- UZBEKISTAN
Was mentored by Muhammad prior to joining. Currently the youngest member of the team as well as the newest. Karim brings his ethusiasm for art to the team.
FUN FACTS
- Uzbek but doesn't like Pilof!
- Prefers making games than playing them
- Not good at fun facts..
Fabio Dias
ANIMATOR
- BRAZIL
Skilled in both 2D and 3D animation, Fabio has been the team’s animator for all of CRYO. He likes to bring his own touches to animations and focuses on the subjects personality while animating.
FUN FACTS
- Loves metal music
- Huge fan of metroidvania-style games
- Plays every souls-like going
Tanner Westman
QA, COMMUNITY AND SUPPORT
- UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
If you’ve spent any time on our twitch categories, youtube, reddit, steam or social media, chance are you’ve talked with Tanner. He’s the one out there chatting with fans and answering questions daily!
FUN FACTS
- Long time World of Warcraft player
- Helped write the Labyrinthine story
- Was a moderator before he joined the team
